Suggestions on my AR15 Build

I'm planning to build my first AR 15 and seeking some suggestions on how best to stretch my dollar. I'm on budget and want to get something which is a tad better than what I can buy for the same $$ (SW MP 15 sports) and a 3Gun config. so far my progress.

To build an upper you will need a vise, upper vise bock and barrel wrench. So your cost goes up a little. It is not much more, but it adds up. The upper is easy enough, but i would save the money on the tools and buy a complete upper. Unless you have access to a friends AR tools. PSA has really nice budget uppers.

Remember that once you shoot it for a while, you will figure out how and what you want to upgrade. Over time you can buy the tools and switch out forearms, gas blocks, etc. So, you don't have to get the perfect AR on your first purchase. You can switch parts ans sale your used parts.

Edit: Nothing wrong with the S&W sport. Other than the missing ejection port cover and forward assist it is good to go. Those 2 features aren't really needed in the civilian world. My first AR was a S&W and it has been great for years.

jad0110

January 1, 2012, 07:06 PM

A BCM 16" mid length flat top upper, complete with their excellent BCG fits just within your budget, however you will have to do something about a rear sighting system. I had a carry handle sitting around from an earlier build that I put on mine.

I ordered mine with the lightweight pencil profile barrel. It may give up a tad in pure accuracy to HBARs, but I built mine as a carbine for HD, so I wanted something quick handling and easy to maneuver. My BCM upper has run flawlessly on whatever cheap steel cased crap I feed it. After shooting, I just wipe down the BCG and inside up the upper receiver and run a bore snake down the barrel a couple of times, re-oil and its GTG.

Just buy a mid-length PSA upper with the MOE handguards and a Magpul MBUS 2 rear sight. Save up for a good LED tactical light (Surefire, Elzetta, Fenix) and you're in business. Surefire G2 LED lights can be had on the cheap right now. Get the VTAC light mount and learn the rifle isosceles shooting stance. Position the light accordingly. IMHO, it's the way to run a rifle.

You may also want a sling. I'd suggest a Blue Force Gear VCAS sling. Attach via a Blue Force Gear Universal Wire Loop or the Magpul MSA and an HK Snap Hook.

That should serve you very well in 3 gun, and as a defensive rifle.

Oh, BTW on the vert grip (if you aren't going to look @ isosceles shooting) just get the Magpul MVG. You're giving Magpul a lot of money, aren't you?

Of course, if you want a more advanced 3 gun rig (the itch will develop) you will end up dropping some serious change on it at a later date. You're okay with that, aren't you? Investing in the lower was the first step down a very expensive road. Have fun. I know I did.

highpower

January 1, 2012, 10:18 PM

I vote for the complete PSA upper. It's already assembled and they use FN barrels. Look on their web site, I'm sure they will have the upper in the configuration that you want

I just did a PSA kit for an Mforgery build. Took it to the range and it shot very well with no hiccups. I put about 200 rounds through it with zero problems.
http://highpower.smugmug.com/Other/AR15/i-8Nk3cnc/0/XL/IMG0846-XL.jpg

HKGuns

January 1, 2012, 10:22 PM

Del-ton was my choice and its been 100% reliable in casual shooting. Buying the upper assembled is my preference. Plan on getting a better trigger than you'll find in most if not all of the LPK's you'll buy. I installed a Gieselle in mine and it works very well but is quite a lot of cash.

Most of the assemblers make good kit, you're pretty safe buying on price with the features you want in the kit / assembly.

http://hkguns.zenfolio.com/img/s8/v10/p452784557-5.jpg

jad0110

January 2, 2012, 10:02 AM

When you say the accuracy has suffered due to pencil barrel, how do you quantify it?

Well, accuracy is probably about the same. However the thinner barrel profiles are a little more sensitive to temperature of the barrel (they heat up faster, though they cool down faster as well) and they can also deflect a little more if you shoot using a sling and you put too much downward pressure on the sling itself. Also the barrel itself might flex just a little more when fired, but again unless you are bench shooting for all out accuracy (well under 1 MOA), I doubt you'll notice. I haven't noticed any real detriment, but I've been shooting testing reliability only at this point. Once the weather improves, I'll focus more on getting the sights dialed in exactly and then I'll be able to tell how the accuracy of the lightweight barrel compared to my prior HBAR.

My personal opinion is that 16" carbines with adjustable stocks (I assume that is what you are using) aren't really intended for all out accuracy anyway. So may has well keep it light and simple. I had a 16" HBAR on such a configuration. Problem is your typical adjustable stock is often lighter than a fixed stock, so this already shifts the balance point further forward. Then you hang a fat HBAR off the end and the shift becomes even more pronounced. Some like that feel, but I don't. YMMV.

WinThePennant

January 2, 2012, 10:18 AM

I'm doing a build of an AR-15 at the moment.

My advice is to stick with companies who have a GREAT reputation. Personally, the further along I get the more I like Stag. The Stag lower receiver parts kit is quite good for the money.

I had a Magpul trigger guard SPLIT on me as I was driving in the pin. So, for the trigger guard I am using a good ole traditional Stag trigger guard. It was much easier to install, too!

mamamia

January 2, 2012, 07:08 PM

Well, accuracy is probably about the same. However the thinner barrel profiles are a little more sensitive to temperature of the barrel (they heat up faster, though they cool down faster as well) and they can also deflect a little more if you shoot using a sling and you put too much downward pressure on the sling itself. Also the barrel itself might flex just a little more when fired, but again unless you are bench shooting for all out accuracy (well under 1 MOA), I doubt you'll notice. I haven't noticed any real detriment, but I've been shooting testing reliability only at this point. Once the weather improves, I'll focus more on getting the sights dialed in exactly and then I'll be able to tell how the accuracy of the lightweight barrel compared to my prior HBAR.

My personal opinion is that 16" carbines with adjustable stocks (I assume that is what you are using) aren't really intended for all out accuracy anyway. So may has well keep it light and simple. I had a 16" HBAR on such a configuration. Problem is your typical adjustable stock is often lighter than a fixed stock, so this already shifts the balance point further forward. Then you hang a fat HBAR off the end and the shift becomes even more pronounced. Some like that feel, but I don't. YMMV.
Informational reply jad0110.Thank you.

mamamia

January 2, 2012, 07:16 PM

Del-ton was my choice and its been 100% reliable in casual shooting. Buying the upper assembled is my preference. Plan on getting a better trigger than you'll find in most if not all of the LPK's you'll buy. I installed a Gieselle in mine and it works very well but is quite a lot of cash.

Most of the assemblers make good kit, you're pretty safe buying on price with the features you want in the kit / assembly.

http://hkguns.zenfolio.com/img/s8/v10/p452784557-5.jpg
I like the handguards on your rifle, could you please tell me its make and model.

TAG2501

January 2, 2012, 07:30 PM

DSA is selling carbine uppers for around 300 depending on options. Haven't heard too much about their 223 ARs. Nothing bad anyway. The are the class of the field on FAL's though. I have heard good things about their AR uppers in 300 BLK. Great prices and they have a decent service reputation.

GCMkc

January 2, 2012, 07:38 PM

JSE Surplus has customizable uppers for pretty good prices. They have a ton of **** on their website (just google JSE Surplus). Also, they have ar15 upper kits that they will assemble and test fire for like $25.

tundraotto

January 2, 2012, 07:40 PM

+1 here for Palmetto - complete upper 16" mid-length & lower parts kit. Changed the spring to a JP yellow and that thing is 100% in about 800 rounds. Could not be happier. I have 6 AR rifles and the PSA has nothing to be ashamed of next to any of them.

got the Magpul kit upper (less stripped lower)...accuracy I would venture a guess would be about 1-1.5 MOA...have done 1.75" with a reddot.

chad1043

January 2, 2012, 08:09 PM

I would suggest a complete Spikes upper, but I can't find any in stock, so it would be a wait.

Hacker15E

January 2, 2012, 08:16 PM

Since you all ready have PSA lower equipment, why not go with a complete PSA upper?

mamamia

January 2, 2012, 08:20 PM

thats one option, I'm looking for some used equipment as well.

HKGuns

January 7, 2012, 10:20 AM

I like the handguards on your rifle, could you please tell me its make and model. It is a YHM light rail covered with Magpul rail covers of various and appropriate sizes.